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Hong Kong authorities remind banks not to be too hasty in rejecting digital asset clients

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One measurement doesn’t match all on the subject of Anti-Cash Laundering (AML), the Hong Kong Financial Authority (HKMA) reminded banks on April 27. Banks mustn’t make it unnecessarily laborious to open accounts. 

There was a wave of corporations opening financial institution accounts in Hong Kong to reap the benefits of enterprise alternatives, HKMA deputy CEO Arthur Yuen wrote, and “feedback” in regards to the difficulties within the course of have ensued. Yuen tied the elevated exercise to the tip of the pandemic.

Whereas finishing up AML due diligence, banks “must also deal with clients pretty and improve entry to primary banking providers by companies by means of clear, affordable and environment friendly procedures,” Yuen wrote. Moreover:

“There isn’t a authorized and regulatory requirement prohibiting banks in Hong Kong from offering banking providers to digital property (VA) associated entities.”

On the contrary, the Hong Kong authorities has a coverage of selling improvement of the digital asset sector, and there’s a regulatory framework in place to guard buyers. Whereas some digital asset companies pose larger AML dangers than others, the Hong Kong banking trade will acquire a greater understanding of the sector over time. Subsequently:

“We count on that regulated digital asset service suppliers (VASPs) will be capable of efficiently apply for a checking account by means of an affordable course of.”

Yuen promised {that a} round containing steering and finest practices can be launched and {that a} roundtable can be held “for the banking trade and VASPs to change views” on April 28.

Associated: Hong Kong court docket guidelines cryptocurrencies as property

Hong Kong is making a push to turn out to be a world crypto hub and is seen by some because the seemingly benefactor of the USA’ more and more virulent anti-crypto crackdown. The area was the primary jurisdiction in Asia to supply entry to crypto exchange-traded funds. A proposal to license retail crypto exchanges is in its session interval and pointers for exchanges are anticipated in Might.

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